This photographic series, staged within a theatrical box-like setting, explores the theory of the seven-year life cycles, known as the septennials. The concept originates from the Theosophical and Anthroposophical worldview, according to which human beings gradually incarnate into different aspects of their being. It is rooted in the ancient idea that physical, mental, and spiritual development unfolds through successive seven-year cycles—a concept developed by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner.

Through this framework, Gildardo Gallo seeks to narrate the extraordinary experience of life from the perspective of consciousness. Drawing upon a profound reflection on his own personal journey and its synchronicity with the phases described by Steiner’s theory, the artist explores the defining experiences and transformations of each stage of life, from birth through the seventh septennial.

0–7 FIRST SEPTENNIAL

During the first septennial, which extends from birth to the age of seven, physical development is centered on the maturation of the neurosensory system. For the infant, the sense of touch—experiencing affection, care, and loving attention—is fundamental to development, as is hearing, particularly through the tone of voice. The young child is completely dependent on the surrounding environment, especially on the mother (the lunar element). The child absorbs the harmonies and conflicts that surround them, perceiving them through special “antennas.”

During this stage, the influence of the Moon is predominant, as it reflects all the cosmic impulses of the planets. Family values, often derived from religious traditions, inspire a sense of reverence. Throughout childhood, the family must offer love to the child to instill confidence and trust in the world. Kindness is the ideal of this septennial, because only a child who is loved will learn to love the world. Before birth, the human being accepts their own destiny (karma), which is necessary for future evolution.

At the age of three, the child begins to perceive themselves as an individual “I,” distinct from others. At this stage, the child is in the “age of imitation,” in which their being tends to reflect the surrounding environment, just as the Moon reflects the cosmic impulses of the planets. Here, moral impulses are introduced and received with reverence. Kindness is experienced within the family, and the child says to themselves:

“I feel loved, and people are good.”

7–14 SECOND SEPTENNIAL

During the second septennial, which extends from the ages of seven to fourteen, the etheric forces are released from their enclosure and begin to bring vitality to the activity of thought and memory. On a physical level, the development of the organs connected to the rhythmic system is completed (heart, breathing, circulation). The transition from temporary teeth to permanent teeth also takes place.

This is the school-age period, in which the figure of the teacher and the relationship with peers acquire great importance. On an emotional level, strong currents of sympathy and antipathy are consciously experienced. Thought, the ability to relate, and communication skills begin to develop, as this septennial is under the influence of Mercury—the god associated with connection, exchange, and communication. During adolescence, the individual begins to experience the forces of good and evil within themselves. They feel drawn toward two extremes: great ideals on one side, and the darker aspects of reality and of their own inner nature on the other.

14–21 THIRD SEPTENNIAL

During the third septennial, which extends from the ages of fourteen to twenty-one, the development of the sexual organs and the limbs is completed, and the body reaches its full physical extension. The metabolic and regenerative systems continue to develop. With the effective birth of the astral body, the adolescent becomes capable of engaging with abstract concepts, no longer relying solely on knowledge based on images.

The young person begins to form their own judgment and approaches situations in which truth and falsehood can be experienced directly: the great ideals and the darker aspects of reality and of the self. It could be said that they experience the “expulsion from paradise.” This is the period in which sexuality awakens and the search begins for another person who can complete them—the companion. This septennial is under the influence of Venus, the principle of balance, harmony, and integration. With this, the first cycle comes to an end: the cycle influenced by the “gods” who passively determine karma, meaning the innate processes of development arising from natural or“collective” impulses, connected to the concept of the “ego.”

21–28 FOURTH SEPTENNIAL

This period is characterized by a transition from adolescence into early adulthood. Individuals are actively searching for their identity and attempting to find their place in the world.

Young adults begin to seek greater independence from their parents and authority figures. They may move away from home, begin living independently, or make important decisions regarding their education and career. Youth is a time of exploration and experimentation with different aspects of life, including personal values, beliefs, interests, and passions. This exploration may involve travel and the search for meaningful experiences.

During this septennial, many people begin to question their purpose in life and their long-term goals, seeking answers to existential questions and exploring different systems of belief. This septennial represents a crucial phase in personal development and in the formation of adult identity.

21–28 FOURTH SEPTENNIAL

This period is characterized by a transition from adolescence into early adulthood. Individuals are actively searching for their identity and attempting to find their place in the world.

Young adults begin to seek greater independence from their parents and authority figures. They may move away from home, begin living independently, or make important decisions regarding their education and career. Youth is a time of exploration and experimentation with different aspects of life, including personal values, beliefs, interests, and passions. This exploration may involve travel and the search for meaningful experiences.

During this septennial, many people begin to question their purpose in life and their long-term goals, seeking answers to existential questions and exploring different systems of belief. This septennial represents a crucial phase in personal development and in the formation of adult identity.